It’s Spring Break and we’re in a lockdown but here’s your WEEKEND OUTDOOR INSPIRATION !!

Parks and Conservation Areas are open during lock down but are expecting to be very busy, so it’s best to try and go in the morning, usually by 11:30am they start filling up. Halton Conservation requires reservations at most parks. If you’re able to go during the day through the week, it’ll be less busy as well – take advantage!

We got lots of feedback last week about these locations so I’m posting them again as they are the less crowded places to get your nature on (plus I’ve added a couple more) so make sure to check them out!

HIKING

Valens Lake Conservation Area
This hike is perfect for families as it’s relatively flat, there’s a boardwalk that goes right across the lake, another one that goes through a marsh area, there’s a look-out/viewing platform, plus the trail leads you through a forest and part of the campground. This one is best to hit in the morning as it starts to get busy in the afternoon. My kids love Valens Lake and we head here a lot.

Westfield Heritage Village – 8km of trails plus the super cute replica historic pioneer village. Click here to check it out

Fletchers Creek Ecological Preserve – 5km of trails through forest, field, marsh area, boardwalks, creek, pond. No reservations required Click her for directions

Robert Edmondson Conservation Area – 2-3 km of trails and a reservoir, boardwalk, and in the spring the marshy area is covered in marigolds. This one is a personal favourite Click here for more info

Bruce Trail, Fishers Pond – access from Guelph Line (roadside parking just north of Hwy 5) OR park on Highview Dr (off Cedar Sprngs Rd) for access to this part of the trail.

Courtcliffe Nature Loop, Carlisle Rd, just west of Centre Rd, Carlisle This is an easy, short (a little less than 3km) loop trail. A large portion of it is paved, but also has lots of little side trails (unpaved) to explore. Great for kids. Free parking. A bunch of small creeks and ponds. There is a playground there as well but I’m not sure of the lockdown status for playground equipment. This one is best hit in the mornings as well.

EVENTS

All events have been cancelled for the lockdown. But you can still participate in the City of Burlingtons Spring Into Health Challenge.

City of Burlington
The City of Burlington has launched a new Spring Challenge, called Spring Into Health. Two week challenges (designed to get families moving) for teams of 2 households to work together to win prizes. Challenges are issued every day, running in two week segments from March 14 to May 29. Check it out here

The RBG is a great Virtual At Home learning resource. Lots of virtual learning opportunities, print outs, activities and games Click here for more info

Don’t forget if you’re staying inside but still want to get your nature fill – Hamilton Conservation Area website has a Nature At Home page for a ton of fun, nature based kid stuff that you can do right in your own backyard or out on a trail or even inside, like scavenger hunts, challenges, nature games, activity and colouring pages.